Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Israel’s President Isaac Herzog undertook a historic two-way visit together with their wives Elke Büdenbender and Michal Herzog. For the first time in history, the two presidential couples payed a visit to both Germany and Israel together. This special format represented the depth of the two countries’ relations and reflected the close personal ties between the two Heads of State.
Reconciliation with the State of Israel remains a historic gift for Germany and something for which we are profoundly grateful. The fact that a close partnership emerged in spite of the Shoah is not a matter of course but is a sign of reconciliation and a common will to cooperate.
Germany looks with great respect to what the State of Israel has achieved since its foundation – as a vibrant democracy and as a diverse society.
This two-way visit took place at a time of great challenges. The terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 has left deep scars. Germany stands firmly by Israel’s side, reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defence while at the same time calling for international law to be respected. The Federal President is pressing for all hostages, who also include German citizens, to be released. He also advocates protecting the civilian population in the Gaza Strip as well as ensuring access to humanitarian assistance. At the same time, he is calling for a two-state solution in close cooperation with Arab neighbours and the Gulf states.
The programme of this two-way visit payed tribute to the two countries’ shared history as well as to their relations in politics, culture, science and society.
In Berlin, the programme began by welcoming the Israeli President with military honours and the meeting of the presidential couples at Schloss Bellevue. The subsequent visit to a German-Israeli youth congress sent a strong signal of support for intergenerational dialogue – especially this year which marks the 70th anniversary of the German-Israeli youth exchange programme. There was an act of remembrance for the victims of the Shoah at the historic platform 17. The highlight of the programme in Germany was a banquet taking place at Schloss Bellevue.
In Israel, the programme began on Tuesday at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem, where both presidents viewed the Letters of Light sculpture following a guided tour. An exchange between the Federal President and intellectuals addressed the current social and political situation in the country. A gala dinner was also be held in Jerusalem at the invitation of President Herzog. Moreover, a visit to the Weizmann Institute of Science highlighted the role played by scientific exchange in the historic rapprochement between our countries.
Overview of the programme
Monday, 12 May 2025
- Morning, Schloss Bellevue
Welcoming of President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog and Michal Herzog with military honours by the Federal President and Elke Büdenbender - Thereafter
Talks - Thereafter
Joint press conference held by both Presidents - Thereafter, Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
Attendance together with President Herzog of a meeting of young people from Israel and Germany on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the German-Israeli youth exchange programme - Afternoon, Berlin-Grunewald station
Remembrance of the Holocaust at the Platform 17 Memorial together with President Herzog - Evening, Schloss Bellevue
Gala dinner with President Herzog and Michal Herzog to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, hosted by the Federal President and Elke Büdenbender
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
- Morning
Joint flight of the presidential couples to Tel Aviv, Israel - Lunchtime
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport and welcome with military honours - Thereafter, National Library of Israel
Visit to the National Library with tour of the Letters of Light sculpture together with President Herzog - Thereafter
Discussion with intellectuals about the situation in Israel - Afternoon, official residence of the Prime Minister of the State of Israel
Talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel - Evening, President’s Residence
Dinner hosted by President Herzog
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
- Morning
Talks with Members of the Knesset - Late morning
Visit to a kibbutz - Afternoon, Rehovot
Visit to the Weizmann House - Evening
Flight to Berlin
